The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Vernelle T. Martin (ASN: RA-36853377), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 1 January 1951 in the vicinity of Hoengsong, Korea. After securing high ground Company G’s defensive perimeter was counterattacked by a large enemy force. In order to neutralize a hostile machine gun, Sergeant Martin advanced to an exposed position from which he had a good field of fire. Failing to silence the weapon by this means, he crawled forward under intense enemy fire and, by hurling hand grenades, destroyed the gun. As he returned to his former position he was struck and killed by enemy fire. The gallantry displayed by Sergeant Martin reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.